RSS Feed

Category Archives: Fun Stuff

Nintendo 3DS XL Giveaway!

Posted on July 19, 2017 by Andrea

As most of you know, I like to help families in the adoption process.   That’s fairly clear at this stage in the game right?   Many times families head into adoption process without being funded simply because time is of the essence.  In many cases, the children cannot wait.  Maybe they are at risk for transfer to a larger adult institution – in which case their safety and survival are in grave danger.  Medically fragile kiddos are almost always in that group.  A family may learn of a child who’s literally starving to death or medically fragile and they reach for their running shoes – cause it’s time to run!!!  The Adair’s situation is this – God said go!  So here they are trusting that every effort will bring them their babies.  They are doing everything they can to raise the funds just short of selling the shirts on their backs to get their girls home, but there is A LOT left to be done.

Adairs

Currently I have an active auction going via Facebook for the Adair family who are bringing home two precious sisters. But we thought it needed to be kicked up a notch!

A GIVEAWAY!!

UPDATE 7/22:   We have reached our goal everyone!!!

SOOOOO now, until 10pm PST tonight, EACH and EVERY bid gets counted into the drawing for the Nintendo 3DS XL!

Even if you are bidding on an item that already has bids! If you bid up twice, that’s two entries. Three, four, five… You get it. See all the details below!

A bit over 4 hours to get those entries in!!!
Ends tonight at 10pm PST!! Bids marked at 10:01pm or later are void.

We only have 27 entries thus far so GO GO GO!!!

So…
#1 Find any item in the auction.

#2 Place you bid!

You’re entered!
You get one free entry for sharing this auction (outside the RR group page) which must be set to public! Sharing in other groups is great too! You must PM me a copy/screenshot of your share in order for it to count so don’t forget!!

Auction album link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1521205457949926.1073741843.661910380546109&type=1&l=3a77e8c32b

All Proceeds to benefit the Adair family adopting two little girls. Winner will be drawn/ Prize will be sent to winner after all accounting is closed and settled following the auction. Meaning all items must be paid for first.

Whats the prize?

******A BRAND NEW Nintendo 3DS XL!!! *****
nintendo-3ds-xl-set-console-blue-9733-brand-sealed-9733-cuteburger1699-1405-14-cuteburger1699@2

Advertisement

Leave a comment

Posted in Fun Stuff, Fundraising and tagged , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
Posted on July 28, 2016 by Andrea

Daisy is with her mama!!
I Just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone of you who shared, shopped, and bought from the amazing Kelly and Staci and their fabulous Lularoe fundraiser event they hosted for me!

FB_IMG_1469415021201

I also have to sneak in a thank you to Tori of Noonday for her tandem fundraiser which, btw has drop dead gorgeous stuff! Seriously, if you haven’t checked out Noonday, they have a heart for helping and really gorgeous merch, so do it!  Here’s some photos from our event!

2016-07-17 15.45.0220160717_144449-1
Because of all your support, and both companies graciously matching the money from items sold, a total of $625 was raised from both events!   And BECAUSE OF YOU, My friend Starr is now holding her precious new daughter Daisy!

 

FB_IMG_1469739823959

I have to let you know, that this mama and daughter are a match made in heaven! Starr says little Daisy is absolutely amazing and she couldn’t be happier!  Here is a direct quote from Starr: “Something about Daisy…
What can I say? This child is magic. She is calm, sweet and peaceful. She is gorging herself with hugs and kisses, she can’t get enough! She is loving and nurturing as she loves on her stuffed ladybug. She LOVES music and dancing. She loves reading books and loves to read them to me as she turns the book so I can see the pictures pointing to them like a teacher would. I showed her 3 signs…please, eat and drink. She immediately repeated them. She is so incredibly smart. She LOVES to be tickled silly!
She also chucks food when she’s done and bites her sister. Haha!
She is an escape artist and can scale the crib with bars on it. I still don’t know how she does it! She loves to run away while she laughs.
Some things to work on :).”

I just love that Starr is being real here!  Daisy sounds like an incredible cute little stinker and I can’t wait to meet her!

P.s. These fabulous ladies from Lularoe and Noonday can run fundraisers so if you’re interested contact either myself or see below for links to their pages.   OR just had head over to their pages to shop!

#ToriRaskNooday
Tori:   torirask.noondaycollection.com

I mean LOOK!  Such good stuff AND they are socially minded!

Screenshot_2016-07-28-14-25-08-1
NE182AU-velocity-necklace-s
Screenshot_2016-07-28-14-22-39-1
Screenshot_2016-07-28-14-24-23-1

Also don’t forget…

#LularoeKellyandStaciVIPs
Lularoe Kelly and Staci’s VIP’s- Their shop is open 24/7 online! New inventory regularly, no tax and low shipping!: https://fb.com/groups/lularoekellyandstacivips/?fth=1

One more thank you to Mike and Cathy Novak for helping orchestrate this with Kelly and Staci!  It would not have happened without you!  Who are Mike and a Cathy?  They have an amazing little Lularoe shop as well… No tax, free shipping, new inventory all the time, and they are a dream to work with!  Their shop is also open 24/7!   Go check them out at : https://fb.com/groups/CathyandMikeNovakLularoe/?fth=1

I love my Lularoe!  You will too! No, really you will… I realize that sounded like an advertisement, haha!

2016-07-26 14.53.31.jpg

Posted in Fun Stuff, Good News! and tagged , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment

Sunday! Sunday! Sunday!  Oh, and Monday too! 

Posted on July 13, 2016 by Andrea

If you read my post Wish Upon A Starr, you know about the amazing opportunity to support the Pelc family in their adoption journey AND score some super cute duds and a bit of bling too!    There are three ways to join in the fun.

Help bring this cutie home!

#1.Check out Tori Rask and her Noonday shop to see our fundraiser going on now,  featuring unique and beautiful jewelery and accessories! At: bit.ly/bringhomedaisy
Are these not gorgeous?

#2.  Join us for a fun and unique Lularoe shopping experince at the in-home fundraiser event this Sunday!  See the clothes, try on and take home!  So fun!   You MUST MUST MUST request to join their group first in order to see the even invites!

Link to join group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lularoekellyandstacivips/
*Link to the In-Home event (local Portland area) We’d love to see you on Sunday, July 17th at 2pm. Tori Rask will be here with Noonday (amazing jewelry and accessories), there will be a raffle or two… come join us! Don’t miss out on the fun!

Portland area Fundraiser Event! 

*Can’t make it to the In-Home event?  Join us for a fun online shopping experience.  Again, all for the Pelc family!

Online Shopping Event!

Still not sure?  Check out my Lularoe below!  Then decide. Don’t hesitate to ask me questions about fit, fabrics, and I’ll do my best to help!  No, I dont sell it, I just love it.

The Nicole dress

Above:  Buttery soft leggings dressed up!

Below:  Crazy print, super soft leggings, dressed down!

Below:  The Julia dress- so comfy.

Leave a comment

Posted in Fun Stuff, Fundraising and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Wish upon a Starr

Posted on July 5, 2016 by Andrea

Like these?  (Don’t you dare click away just yet… Give it a chance.)PhotoGrid_1467768092651

Why am I asking?  Well…

She is three and a half years old.  She sits everyday with all the other children.   She has nothing of her own. Her clothes aren’t hers, her toys aren’t hers, her shoes aren’t hers.   Abandoned at just 6 months old, little Daisy spends each day in an orphanage.   No mom to comfort her when she’s scared.  No hugs for her tears.  She’s a beautiful little girl.

received_1211620002195503

Across the globe, a mama sits, waiting.  She waits and longs to hold this precious little daughter she’s never met.  She aches to kiss her bruised knees, dry her tiny tears, and tell her she is loved.  This mama works hard everyday trying to raise the randsom.  But it’s seemingly insurmountable.   She only has a couple weeks left to raise an incredible amount.  So she continues to work her fingers to the bone, fundraising, selling anything she can, praying for a miracle.

This mama’s name is Starr.  She was born to be a mom!  For 16 years she’s been loving on her children, providing for them, nurturing them, all on her own.   She’s been a mom a whole lot longer than 16 years, but you see 16 years ago she lost her husband and since then devotes her life to giving love to children who otherwise have had none.   received_1214842788539891

Now, back to the cute jewelry and such.  There’s a wonderful lady, Tori who has an online shop.  Soooo many cute things.  From now until July 19th, 15% of anything you purchase will be donated to help Starr bring home Daisy!   If you’d like to check out this shop go here:   bit.ly/bringhomedaisy

There’s more!

Ever heard of Lularoe?   The fun prints, the incredibly buttery soft leggings, the clothes that make sizing simple, easily working with all body types making it a snap to shop online without stressing.  They are THE MOST ADDICTIVE clothing line ever!   How do I feel in my Lularoe?  Uh… 2016-06-25 19.12.29

Sooo, I also have a Lularoe event hosted by two lovely gals both in home for my local gals, where you can come try on and take home, AND an online event as well!  THAT event will be July 17th for the in home, and 18th for online.  They will also donate part of the proceeds to help this family!  Eeeek!

Please join THIS PAGE, no it isn’t a cult, but it might get ADDICTIVE!   On this page our hostesses will post about the upcoming event, and you can learn a bit about Lularoe too.  Trust me, this is not just another “party”,you don’t want to miss this!

I would like to thank Cathy and Mike, Kelly, Staci and Tori!  You guys all worked and are still working so hard to make this happen for this family.  I seriously am floored at how you all pulled this together for me at such short notice. Much love!  I know Starr feels the same.

To read more about Starr and her journey or to donate directly go here: http://reecesrainbow.org/102812/sponsorpelc

 

 

 

 

4 Comments

Posted in Fun Stuff, Fundraising and tagged , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

HUGE Thanks!

Posted on December 23, 2015 by Andrea

Well,  that was fun…

Actually,  I’m lying.   That auction was super tough and I never imagined it would take so much.

I’ve never seen 3am roll around so many times.

However, it was not in vain.     You guys showed UP in a big way to support these four families.   Yes, four families I know personally who are adopting SIX kids between them!

That’s six kids who will each become a beloved son or daughter.   Hugs and kisses,  love and laughter will become their daily life, and it’s such a sweet sweet thing.  A far cry from what they have known.

So really I just want to say  thank you to all who donated items,  shared,  supported,  bid on or won items,  you guys are fantastic!

$1,334 was raised!   It’s been split up among the families and let me tell you,  they couldn’t be more grateful for your support.

Thank you and Merry Christmas all!

P.S.  Stay tuned for the next fun event!   I’ll be brainstorming!   If any of you have fundraising ideas you’d like to see,  drop me a comment!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Calling All Prayer Warriors!, Fun Stuff, Fundraising and tagged , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Winner Revealed!

Posted on October 24, 2015 by Andrea

First off, a HUGE THANK YOU to all those who supported my fundraiser!  You guys are amazing!!!   This is such a long time coming, so without further adieu… Our winner!    Over $1,200 was raised to benefit the Horton family, Maya’s Hope and sweet little Ben.    Each one of these still desperately needs your support so please click on each to learn more.  You can also find more information as several recent posts have been made on each here on this blog… so please browse!

Congrats to Deanna E.!

2 Comments

Posted in Fun Stuff, Fundraising, Video and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

It’s Giveaway Time!

Posted on June 22, 2015 by Andrea

**Go to the link below. How to enter this giveaway has been revised. Big changes!**

https://heartoftheyoung.org/2015/08/08/back-to-the-drawing-board-giveaway-revised/

Every now and again I get time to focus on something really special…

So, I’m holding a giveaway! 

Who will benefit from this giveaway you ask?

First; the amazing Maya’s Hope. 

Maya’s Hope is a fabulous organization that works to improve the quality of life for orphaned children with special needs worldwide.  
Children like the sweethearts at   Kalinovka Orphanage, and precious lifesaving surgery for Joshua are just a couple. 
image

Joshua’s life depends on his getting the surgery he needs. Maya’s Hope has stepped in and provided for this need. However, his care greatly depends on the generosity of awesome folks like you!

UPDATED: The second, was Vitaly… image

Look at how sweet…  However, he was so malnourished, so tiny, he passed away sometime since my fundraiser began.  I just got word…  He was almost 10 years old and desperately needed intervention, but he just couldn’t hold on any longer. 

My heart is broken.

It is a matter of life and death for these kids.  

image

He waited in a crib for ten years.
 

And thirdly, Ben… My love!
image

This cute little booger is so tiny too, just like Vitaly.  He has waited 6 years for a mama to hold him.  6 years! Ben has no real life… He is a fighter though and his caregivers have reported that he has started smiling and cruising around in his crib! He’s a sparkly little dude who I hope to see flourish with a family of his own.

The last cause I’d love to help is a really amazing Oregon family bring home a very tiny, precious little girl named Hope who is desperately medically fragile and running out of time.
image

I know it sounds heavy, but she’s 7 years old and just 10 lbs! She needs help.  I know this family, the Horton’s, and they are amazing! There is just no better family for this angel to join, she will be so very loved. In fact, she is already.  The donation I hope you’ll help to provide is just to help nudge them along so they can get their sweet one the care she needs a quickly as possible.
 

That’s why I am holding a giveaway! 

What am I giving away?  This!
image

Oh yes…
image

That’s really…
image

A genuine Pandora bracelet! 
image

It’s a beautiful 7.5″ sterling silver Pandora clasp bracelet with a purple glass heart design charm.  This bracelet has been worn once and of course, for the photos.  It’s beautiful! This bracelet is valued at over $100! 

image

But wait!  There’s one more thing… The person who wins will not only get the beautiful bracelet.   They’ll also win a $150 Visa gift card!  Spend it anywhere!
image

That’s a total prize value of over $250! 

To enter into the giveaway:
**Go to the link below. This has been revised**

https://heartoftheyoung.org/2015/08/08/back-to-the-drawing-board-giveaway-revised/

Remember, your donation will do so much to help some really deserving kids!  Maya’s Hope who helps kids like little Chesca. She has cancer.  She is a fighter.
image

Little 6 year old Ben,
image

And, sweet bity Hope.
image

The drawing will be video taped and will be done by assigning everyone a number on a piece of paper, and placing the corresponding amount of said number, reflecting how many chances the person has, into a large bowl/bag/vessel.  I will then reach in and draw a number, thus revealing the winner. Winner will be notified via Facebook and/or email.  If the winner does not respond within 5 days from the date of notification, a runner up will be drawn. This drawing will take place on July 20th, if we have met our minimum.   I will extend it only if absolutely necessary to reach my minimum goal of $1,500.
The drawing has been extended until we reach at least $1,500! I’d love to raise even more and really bless the socks off these people!    It sounds like a lot, but I think we can do this!   Thank you!

10 Comments

Posted in Fun Stuff, Fundraising and tagged , . Bookmark the permalink.

Today Was a Good Day!

Posted on July 2, 2014 by Andrea

Since April, my 13 year old son Athen has been trying to raise awareness, trying to make a difference in the lives of disabled kids in Ukraine.  It all came together last Saturday…

Let me rewind.

Athen has always had a tender heart.  I have always tried to be as real as I can be with him.  Even when it is uncomfortable.  I wanted him to see from a very young age that people make mistakes, they are all different, they are all important.  I taught him that if someone is mean to you, you forgive them and understand that they are that way because they are hurting in some way.  I taught him that he should not care what others think and to always be the one guy to lend a helping hand to someone in need. Even if that means people make fun of you.  And as the years have gone by, I have been rewarded for this lesson.  I have seen time and time again, my son being the only kid to go and ask a much younger kid to be his friend, I have seen him ask kids who are mentally and/or physically disabled if they want to play with him.  He has always done this with no regard for his peers and the possible judgment he may face for “befriending the outcast” as other kids might see it.

Athen has never cared about labels.  He has never cared what color someone is.  He has never cared where someone came from, or what your differences may be.  As a mother, this makes me proud.  He is the first kid to stop and pray for someone, again, not caring if others judge.  I love this about him.

So when Athen wanted to know about Heart of the Young and what I blog about, naturally I was eager to share.  However, with it all being so heavy, I was skeptical if he could handle the reality.  I made a call, and decided to share.

 

Naturally his heart broke. But then he stood up and said “Mom, I have to do something to help”.

 

We began to pray.

 

Then, I read a post about our friends at Wide Awake International and how they wanted to take the kids outside but only had enough coats and shoes for seven of them to go.  I told Athen about it and that is when he knew…

Athen had decided to get approval from school to begin fundraising every day at lunch.  He prepared by making bracelets to sell (his Oma and Mom helped too), getting help from his Papa to build a booth, drawing a logo, and making a t-shirt so he could represent well.  He began in April at the school fair, and continued to sell until school got out mid June.  He was so dedicated.

1509748_10202558990629167_8076083056858577889_n 10153642_10202500328842659_2660336004669705404_n 10250210_10202500329202668_2861657202367840205_n

 

Then, we decided that we wanted to do more…  We really wanted to bless Kim and Jed Jonhnson, founders of Wide Awake Int. with money to make a real difference.   So we paired up with a dear friend of mine who is currently adopting two kiddos from China and decided to hold a pancake breakfast benefit at our local Applebees.  We all posted fliers, blew up Facebook, shared with local businesses, collected donations for our raffle, and even shared at church.  When I say shared at church I mean, Athen got up and spoke to a few hundred middle and high school students at church about what he was doing and how they could help.  It was epic!  Takes a lot of guts to do that!

So the day came and we got up at the crack of dawn, kids in tow and headed to Applebee’s.  We had not sold our minumum 100 tickets so Applbee’s gave us a special deal and so with 54 tickets sold online, we held it anyway.  Well, all I can say is we are so blessed.  All the people who came to serve, help and just support us, we could not be more happy!   We did not sell many at the door tickets, but all in all we did well.  Athen stood at his booth selling t-shirts and bracelets.  The raffle was a hit too!

10483991_1448430162077883_6415593516739779025_n

Athen selling his t-shirts!

10463975_1448429348744631_6346943671819210030_n

My little 3 year old feeling too big for her britches!

10430362_1448429505411282_6702893559189669835_n

My husband and some amazing helpers!

10517997_1448430235411209_2612873273369364873_n

More amazing helpers!!!

10354584_1448429332077966_1909198741505900158_n

Trying…

10453368_1448429645411268_7401111877264812014_n 10455845_1448430272077872_1987205960369096371_n 10458386_1448429722077927_1202502958023153431_n 10462800_1448429768744589_1762706006084627982_n 10463006_1448429322077967_2591722288603974610_n 10464112_1448429855411247_1203125377170239958_n 10488063_1448429788744587_6380473594596673806_n 10502339_1448429478744618_199929771377402904_n 10516830_1448430055411227_1377819419045958366_n

10258768_1448430135411219_1971730689445118474_n

My cohort and her little…

 

We are excited to share how much we raised from all efforts, but not quite yet.   Why?   Well…

 

Athen T-shirt sign 10483991_1448430162077883_6415593516739779025_n

We are hoping for some more t-shirt orders.  Proceeds go to Wide Awake International to help orphans in need! We are trying to fill orders so that we can get a final tally on the amount that Athen (pictured) raised for them through school fundraising, the pancake breakfast and t-shirt sales. Anyone interested in buying a t-shirt to support Athen’s cause?  For $25 you can choose white or black shirt, men or women’s (women’s are v-neck) All have a solid red logo and the small letters H.O.T.Y. horizontal on the arm (If we can get them to do it for us! Otherwise it will be on the back.). Either way it will look cool! And H.O.T.Y. is a conversation starter! Heart of the Young! Wear your support for kids with disabilities and the message of Heart of the Young!  To order, go here http://mkt.com/heartoftheyoung

 

Stay tuned for the final number which we will be donating to Wide Awake!!!

Leave a comment

Posted in Fun Stuff, Fundraising and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Giveaway!!!

Posted on April 11, 2014 by Andrea

If you read my last post, you know that Wind Over Water is our “new baby” of sorts.  Me, Adrienne and Lindsay have been working hard trying to get this thing off the ground.  But to do that, people need to know about us and what we are doing.  So, I bring you THE GIVEAWAY !

We wanted to fun things up a bit and give you the chance to win your very own teal o-ring necklace!

1977160_641873909219828_1602324156_n

 

We at Wind Over Water Jewelry want you to have this!  You do not have to be a nursing mother to win or wear this.  You don’t even have to be female to win this…  Husbands, boyfriends, sons, fathers, you could win this for a special lady in your life!

 

If you do have a little one who might be playing with this necklace (only when worn by an adult) , You can have peace of mind knowing that the high quality materials used to create these hand crafted necklaces are non-toxic and our beads are even saliva proof!   Heck, the whole necklace can be rinsed in warm water and dried with a soft cloth!   Now how many necklaces do you own that you can do that with!  Let’s not forget the clasp, it’s a specially designed breakaway clasp which will snap open as an emergency release in case it gets caught or tugged too hard.  It is an added feature that helps keep mom and baby safer!

 

All we want you to focus on is your little one, all while looking gorgeous in you Wind Over Water Necklace!   Visit our Page and enter our giveaway!  The winner will be announced on 5/1/14!!!    Good luck!

10171049_641918312548721_2024448186_n

Leave a comment

Posted in Fun Stuff and tagged , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Exciting Endeavors!

Posted on April 5, 2014 by Andrea

Well all, this isn’t my typical post as it is not orphan/child related. However, this post IS about exciting things taking place in the world!   Something near and dear to my heart…  Something God led…   Something important that will bless others while bringing something cool into creation.  I am pleased to introduce my friend, Adrienne.

Adrienne with her son Abram.

Adrienne with her son Abram.

 

Here is Adrienne’s story:

“This story begins 10 years ago when traveling to Africa on an AIDS awareness humanitarian effort. While in one village with our group of college age students, a woman came out of her tiny hut, and handed her baby to us.  This was one mother’s desperate attempt to give her child opportunity.  We knew we couldn’t take this child, but also knew we we would never forget that moment.  So although this is where our story begins, you get to be a part of choosing what happens now.  Join us as we build a sustainable partnership to provide African artisans safe income generation through a jewelry collection that you would be proud to buy, wear, give, or support.”  

Wow!  Can you imagine what it must have felt like for Adrienne to have to be in that heartbreaking situation?  This mother clearly was willing to break her own heart by giving away her child, so that her  child would have opportunities she could not provide.  Sadly, this is just one heart-wrenching account of what mothers and women face everyday in places such as Africa, where poverty is so prevalent.

After many years and much prayer, Adrienne and partner Lindsay came together to form the brainchild that is Wind Over Water.   Imagine my surprise when God spoke to Adrienne’s heart and she ended up snagging me into this wonderful whirlwind of a project which has blessed me more than I can say!  I have never worked so hard on something (aside from raising my children) so meaningful and rewarding.  I am beyond proud of each piece and wish to thank my cohorts for their advice, opinions, prayers and encouragement!   I am so very excited to see what God does for these invaluable women through Wind Over Water.

 

DSC03445_edited

 

Wind Over Water Jewelry provides fashion-forward, baby-friendly and socially-minded jewelry options for mothers and women who watch over little ones as well!    The pieces are simple and clean while giving you a pop of color, and the unique eye catching asymmetrical designs have a  secret functional role in reminding mom on what side she last nursed.  Just flip the necklace over after nursing.  It also gives little fingers something visually stimulating to play with while holding your child, or during nursing or bottle feeding rather than pulling on your hair or shirt!  My daughter likes to scratch and pinch, so these necklaces are awesome!    No worries that they will break your favorite necklace by tugging on it anymore either!   Plus it is all non–toxic materials which are baby safe so you can feel good about them playing with it.

When you decide to support us either by becoming a backer, wearing our jewelry, sharing our cause, giving a piece to someone as a gift, or simply praying for us in this endeavor, know that your support is directly impacting the lives of the amazing women we have partnered with.   The women we hope to help.

Please visit our page to learn more about us!   Watch the video below.  Share it!  We need your help to make this dream possible!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Fun Stuff, Video and tagged , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
← Older Posts
→
%d bloggers like this: